Contract Food Services Company Asks, Do Millennials Eat Differently?

As one of the most reputable contract food service companies in Atlanta, we’re always interested in how and what people eat; after all, food is our business! We recently gathered up a few facts about millennials, specifically about how they eat. We think you’ll find some of their habits and preferences interesting.

Most of us who are a bit older grew up believing in the “three meals a day” tradition – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While it’s been proven eating several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day is healthier for us all, millennials do just that. Most eat four smaller meals each day, and the times of day they eat are not the traditional times most of us stick to such as early in the morning, at noon, and around 6 or 7 p.m.

Another interesting fact about millennials (who, by the way are those between 16 and 36 years old, born between 1980 and 2000), is that a whopping 80% are curious as to how the food they eat is grown. Preferring whole foods over those that are processed, millennials are willing to shell out a bit more for a farm-to-table experience or meats that are ethically sourced.

For millennials, also referred to as the “foodie generation” by some, eating isn’t done out of necessity for nutrition or hunger – it’s considered more of an event. Think of the social media posts shared by the younger generation today. How many times have you seen someone taking photos of a meal spread out on a table while dining? It’s an experience mingled with exotic flavors – a tasting party, if you will.

Two more interesting facts about millennials and their eating habits. About 40% will order something new off the menu each time they go to a restaurant, instead of ordering those items they already know they like. Also, more than half enjoy mingling with friends and sharing a variety of foods when eating out; sitting at communal tables so they can interact and share their food choices around the table.

One thing is for certain, when it comes to millennials and dining, it’s never a boring experience!